Music therapy

Music therapy sessions may start with something as simple as listening to a song that evokes an emotion that the therapist wants to explore. From there, you may pick up an instrument – don’t worry if you’ve never played before! – and start creating your own sounds. The goal is to allow the music to guide your emotions and help you express what’s inside.

You may also work on songwriting, where you put your thoughts and feelings into lyrics. This can be a powerful way to process what’s going on in your mind, giving you a new way to communicate your experiences.

Music therapy can be done both on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting:

Individual music therapy

In an individual music therapy session, your therapist will focus on your personal challenges and recovery needs. This setting allows you to go at your own pace, exploring music that speaks to you and provides important insights into addiction.

Group music therapy

Group music therapy sessions offer a different dynamic, where you and others in recovery come together to make music as a team. You might all join in on a song, play different instruments or even collaborate on writing music together. Group music therapy is not only a chance to express yourself but also to connect with others. This helps create a sense of community which is crucial in the recovery process.

Music therapy is a powerful tool in rehab treatment as it helps you tackle the emotional and psychological sides of addiction, not just the physical ones. It can help with everything from withdrawal symptoms to relapse prevention planning, all within a creative and supportive environment.

Helping you express yourself

Talking about your feelings in recovery isn’t always easy. Sometimes, fear or uncertainty can make it hard to open up in a group. Music therapy gives you a way to express those feelings without needing to find the right words. Through music, you can start to break down those barriers and feel more comfortable sharing your thoughts and experiences.

To quote Victor Hugo:

“Music expresses that which cannot be said.”

Soothing your nerves

The first few days in rehab can be really intense, with emotions running high. Music therapy is great for calming those nerves. By listening to or creating music, you can find a sense of peace that helps you relax. Once you are calmer, it is then easier to open up during other forms of therapy and make the most of your time in treatment.

Unleashing your creativity

When you’re in recovery, it’s important to find new outlets for all the time and energy you used to spend on drugs, alcohol or other harmful behaviours. Music therapy provides an amazing creative outlet that you can keep up with after you leave Oasis Runcorn.

Sharpening your focus

Addiction can take a toll on your mind, making it hard to think clearly. One of the most exciting benefits of music therapy is its ability to help clear that mental fog, making it easier to concentrate on your treatment and recovery goals.

Building your confidence

Learning to play music or even just creating it in a session can do wonders for your self-confidence. This is essential as you move forward in your recovery, giving you the strength to face challenges and make positive changes in your life.

Music therapy works great alongside the other therapies you will experience at Oasis Runcorn. It can help you open up during talking therapy sessions and provide a little respite from the intensity of treatment.

Music therapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)

CBT gives you the chance to change those tricky thought patterns that keep you stuck in addiction. Music therapy adds a little extra magic by helping you tap into emotions that you can then talk about in your next CBT session. It’s a great way to delve a little deeper into what’s really going on inside.

Boosting group therapy

Group therapy is all about connecting with others and music therapy makes that easier. When you are making music with the group, it helps everyone bond and open up.

Working with holistic therapies

After a calming yoga therapy or meditation session, playing or listening to music can help you process any emotions that might have come up. This is an excellent way to keep that peaceful, centred feeling going while also giving you a chance to express yourself creatively.

Helping with relapse prevention

Staying on track after rehab is tough, but music therapy can help with the transition back to everyday life. When you are feeling stressed or triggered, the tools you have learned in music therapy can help you handle those tough moments without needing to rely on drugs or alcohol anymore.

At Oasis Runcorn, we offer a range of holistic therapies designed to help you overcome addiction and reclaim your life. Get in touch to explore the options available and find the right approach for you. If music therapy has caught your interest, we can guide you to the UKAT centre that specialises in this treatment. Contact us today to take the first step toward lasting recovery.

Disclaimer:

The availability of therapies may vary across UKAT centres. The specific therapies provided will be determined based on your treatment plan and the programme offered at your chosen facility. All treatments are subject to clinical assessment and programme availability at the time of admission. For further details on the therapies included in your treatment plan, please contact our admissions team.